Borowicz: Reflecting on 9 years at Kishwaukee College

Recently, while attending a community event, someone asked me how things were going at Kish. I began to answer with the usual, “Things are fine,” but stopped myself, adding, “Actually, things are better than fine – they are really great.”

Looking back at 2024, I would describe it as the year of giving back to our students.

We eliminated all fees, saving our students approximately $1.5 million annually. Tuition is now the price students pay to attend Kish. Next, we are working on a plan to eliminate textbook costs, starting in Summer 2025. It has been a College goal to reduce the costs of textbooks, and I am so pleased it will become a reality this year.

Looking at how we made this happen, it has been a combination of things.

Since I arrived in 2016, we have only increased our operating budget by 4.4%. This can only happen with hard work on the part of everyone in the organization, ensuring we never lose sight of our students getting the best education possible.

We could not have made these financial decisions without the economic growth in our College district. The property tax revenue increases we have seen and the resources we will continue to see in the future have not been taken for granted. We have reduced the College tax levy every year since 2013 and have ensured the increased revenue we receive goes back to our students with fee reductions and minimal tuition increases.

The College’s very dear friend, Dr. Bill Nicklas, DeKalb City Manager, continues to have a legacy impact on Kish. His leadership in local economic development has been the driving force that has helped so many, and we are forever grateful for all he has done in so many ways for our College.

We are starting Spring 2025 with enrollment up for the eighth consecutive semester and are now just shy of our pre-COVID (2019) enrollment.

Student performance measures and outcomes are the highest in Kish’s recorded history. Our campus facilities look amazing, and the student-centered support we have in place, such as study spaces, tutoring, and technology services, are second to none.

No doubt, the battle scars from the early years and the challenges we faced remain, but as time passes, the scars fade. In its place is incredible pride – of where Kish is nine years later. I look forward to what is to come in year ten, confidently knowing we will continue to provide great education and lasting experiences for our students.

It is an honor and privilege to serve as President of Kishwaukee College.

Dr. Laurie S. Borowicz

President, Kishwaukee College